Does my child need an ASA licence, and how do we register with a club?
Rule- South Africa
- Athletics South Africa
- ASA Rules 2024 onwards
- World Athletics rules
- Youth athletics
- U16-U20
- 2026/27
- Parents
Licence needed: at any competition on the ASA national or provincial fixtures list, an athlete needs an ASA licence or a temporary licence for that event (ASA Rule 24.3). Licences apply at every age: even a child entering a young age group at the ASA Cross Country Championships must have a permanent licence (Rule 26.4.4).
Exception for school events: inter-school events where athletes compete in school kit are development events and don't need a licence up to municipal district level (Rule 26.4.5).
How to register (Rule 26):
- Join a registered athletics club. Only clubs can issue permanent licences.
- Complete and sign the standard ASA registration form, and pay the club for the licence. The club keeps the form and records the athlete on the ASA online system.
- The child receives two licence numbers, worn front and back.
- For a Junior licence (number starting with "J"), the club must first receive and verify a copy of the child's ID document.
A permanent licence is valid 1 January to 31 December and must be renewed every year. Each province sets the licence price charged by its clubs.
Added 22 Oct 2026